Former Oregon Ducks stars Bucky Irving and Tez Johnson have found a new home together on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs selected Irving in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and later added Johnson in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Before their paths crossed in the NFL, the two were teammates on the Oregon Ducks in 2023. Now, as the Buccaneers prepare to face the Carolina Panthers in their final regular-season game, the pair has shared a heartfelt moment with fans through a social media video.

College Roommates and Teammates



In the video, Irving asked Johnson, “How would you rate me as a roommate?” Johnson responded with a humorous take, saying, “10/10. I ain’t going to lie.” He then recounted his initial reaction upon entering Irving’s room, joking, “The first time I walked in the crib, I seen so many cereal boxes on the counter. I’m like, ‘yo is he a hoarder or something?’”

Johnson also highlighted how Irving’s early-morning routine influenced him to adopt similar habits. Their strong bond was further strengthened by their mutual teammate, Bo Nix, who is Johnson’s brother and was the quarterback for Oregon in 2022 and 2023. Nix is now the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

“Irving said, “Him (Tez) as a roommate, it was probably the best thing that ever happened for both of us. Knowing that Bo (Nix) looked at me highly and recommended me to be his roommate because he knew he was going to be in good hands. We’ve got to give all that credit to Bo for putting us together.”

Irving’s Best Season as a Duck



Irving had an impressive final season with the Ducks in 2023, rushing for 1,180 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. He also added 413 receiving yards and two more touchdowns. Meanwhile, Johnson spent two seasons in Eugene, totaling 2,080 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns across 2023 and 2024.

Ducks to Bucs



Since joining the Buccaneers, Irving has rushed for 1,625 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons. However, he has missed nearly half of the 2025 season due to injury. Johnson, as a rookie this season, has recorded 27 receptions for 305 yards and five touchdowns.

The pair is part of a growing list of former Oregon players now in the NFL under coach Dan Lanning. Other notable names include Broncos receiver Troy Franklin and Pittsburgh defensive lineman Derrick Harmon.

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14 on Saturday, with Irving contributing 85 rushing yards on 26 carries. Johnson caught one pass for 17 yards in the win.

With this victory, the Buccaneers now rely on the New Orleans Saints to beat the Atlanta Falcons in order to secure the division title. If the Saints win, the Panthers will clinch the division, eliminating the Bucs from playoff contention.

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